Sadly, summer is winding down and soon it will be back to our regular routines. Don’t despair, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fleeting days of the season. Music, sunflower displays, art and craft shows, festivals, the kick-off to fair season … it’s the perfect month to be a tourist in your own backyard!

In Bloom

Through August 24

MH Art Gallery & Studio

Come in from the heat and enjoy a floral garden provided by area artists, including special guest artist, Kellie Pederson, whose small but masterful oils “bloom” with vivid colors. (The painting seen here is one of her works on view.) Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment. 42 W. Market St., Marietta. Information: MHartgallery.com

Chief Uncas Cruises

August

Susquehanna National Heritage Area

Cruise the Susquehanna aboard the restored electric-powered boat, Chief Uncas, which once was owned by Adolphus Busch, “the king of beers,” who used the boat during his summer getaways to Otsego Lake in New York, which just happens to be the headwaters for the Susquehanna. Now owned by the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA), it is used for educational (River Discovery, Flames Across the Susquehanna, Wildlife, Native Peoples and others) and entertaining (Beer and Sunset) cruises. 1706 Long Level Rd., Wrightsville. Check the website for dates/times. Information: Susqnha.org

Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge

August 4-10

Hempfield recCenter

With $100,000 in prize money, the tournament, which is the last qualifying event ahead of the U.S. Open, attracts women players ranked in the top 100. One notable past player was Emma Raducanu, who went on to win the 2021 U.S. Open. Qualifying rounds will be held August 4 & 5, with the finals taking place August 10. The Pro Circuit event remains free to the local community thanks to the USTA and local contributors. 1251 Stony Battery Rd., Landisville. Information: Hempfieldrec.com

Summer Dining Series

August 7

Farm at Eagles Ridge

The ultimate Date Night entails a four-course dining experience set amid historic barns, spring‑fed ponds and stunning countryside views. The award-winning chefs from The JDK Group Catering & Events will be crafting a menu that showcases the freshest, locally sourced flavors of the season. Guests will receive a glass of champagne upon arrival, indoor/outdoor seating options, and a four-course summer-inspired dinner. BYOB. 5:30-9:30 p.m. 465 Long Lane, Lancaster. Information: Eventbrite.com

Lititz Rotary Craft Show

August 9

Downtown Lititz

Celebrating its 46th anniversary, what began as a show held on a single block in Lititz, has grown into an extravaganza that attracts more than 700 crafters/makers from the U.S. and Canada. The selection includes handmade crafts, home decor, garden art, clothing, seasonal items, jewelry and much more. Proceeds benefit programs of the Lititz Rotary Club. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Downtown Lititz. Information: Lititzrotary.com.

Cut Flowers & Coffee Workshop

August 9, 16, 23, 30  

Ken’s Gardens

Spend a relaxing Saturday morning by getting your hands a little dirty and creating your very own floral arrangement while sipping on a refreshing drink! Walk through a garden full of beautiful flowers in bloom, snipping the ones you love best and take them back to a workstation to create a beautiful floral bouquet in a vase. This is a hands-on workshop focuses on floral education and design. Workshop includes a complimentary 24 oz drink of your choice from Hopeful Brews, Ken’s new in-house coffee shop. All supplies included. 9 a.m. (rain/shine). 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Smoketown. Information: Kensgardens.com

Lititz recCenter Triathlon

August 10

Lititz

Have you been working out and training for a triathlon and want to test your mettle? Compete as an individual or form a team to swim (300 meters), bike (15.8 miles) and run (3.1 miles) in the rec’s 11^th annual triathlon. 7:45 a.m. 301 W. Maple St., Lititz. Information: Lititzrec.com

Stolen

August 12-October 22

Bird-in-Hand Stage

A small Pennsylvania town is shaken when Zack Fisher, the infant son of a prominent Amish family, is kidnapped. Accusations fly. Although everyone comes under suspicion, the case goes cold. Zack’s sister Naomi, who was supposed to be watching him, blames herself for the next 20 years – then takes matters into her own hands. Packed with a cast of interesting and complex characters, including a quirky, noir-style detective and an amateur Amish sleuth, this musical mystery tells a moving story about learning to forgive yourself. The production is being presented in partnership with Blue Gate Musicals, with a script by Martha Bolton based on Wanda Brunstetter’s best-selling Daughters of Lancaster County series. 2760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bird-in-hand.com

Celebrate Lancaster  

August 15

Downtown Lancaster

The annual celebration of Lancaster’s diverse cultures will feature food, live music, dancing, vendors, a beer garden and more. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. N. Queen St., from Penn Square to Ewell Plaza. Information: Visitlancastercity.com

Beer Gardens

August 15-16

Lancaster City

Ewell Plaza will host a beer garden this month as part of Celebrate Lancaster.  Visitors can partake of beer (draft, canned and bottled), as well as cocktails, wine and liquor. Proceeds benefit Lancaster Recreation Commission programs. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Information: Lancasterrec.org.

Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story

August 15-September 20

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

See the man, hear the music and relive the life of a legend! In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Follow Buddy backstage, in the recording studio, and up the charts with hits like Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, That’ll Be the Day, Well…All Right, Not Fade Away and more! Lunch and dinner options are available. Information: Dutchapple.com

Sunflower Makers Market

August 16

Oregon Dairy

Sponsored by Oregon Dairy and Artisans Mill, the market will feature more than 150 makers, artists, crafters, curators and food trucks. The farm’s 2-acre sunflower field will also be open to visitors ($3 admission). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: Oregondairy.com.

Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show

August 16-17

Mount Gretna

The art-related publication, Sunshine Artist, has included Mount Gretna in its Top 200 shows for more than a decade. This year’s show will feature 200 fine artists and crafter from across the country. Entertainment, kids’ activities, music and a film festival complement the show. Proceeds from the art show will benefit cultural programming offered by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, as well as community projects. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: Mtgretnaarts.com.

Sunflower Fest

August 16-24

Oregon Dairy

Explore Oregon Dairy’s expansive sunflower field and capture keepsake photos of friends and loved ones among the blooms that induce smiles. Flowers will be for sale. August 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. thereafter. 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz. Information: Oregondairyfarmstead.com

Elizabethtown Fair

August 18-23

Elizabethtown Fairgrounds

E-town has the honor of kicking off fair season in Lancaster County. Each August, the fair serves as a showcase for the various aspects of agriculture in Lancaster and surrounding counties through exhibits, educational programs and competitions. It also provides youngsters with first-time opportunities to compete on the fair circuit. Baking, floral arranging, canning and other categories are also part of the competition.

Community is an integral part of the fair, as many local civic organizations and church groups hold their principal fundraisers for the year at the fair. It also provides local businesses and organizations with an opportunity to promote their services and products. Of course, food is a major drawing card for the fair, as is music (performing this year will be The Uptown Band on Wednesday; Jess Zimmerman Band on Thursday; Josh Squared on Friday; and Kayleigh Clark with Stephanie Bell and Little Rock on Saturday). In addition, Saturday will feature a country line dancing event. Monday, 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. 900 E. High St., Elizabethtown. Information: Etownfair.com

Lectures on the Lawn

August 21

Mifflin House

Barb Brundage will delve into the history of the Mifflin Farm that is set to be developed into a museum complex that will be dedicated to the Underground Railroad. Research has revealed the Mifflin family’s efforts to aid Freedom Seekers long before the Underground Railroad was formally recognized. Learn about the network of individuals in York and Lancaster who worked tirelessly to support those seeking freedom during a critical period in American history. Bring a blanket or chair. 6:30 p.m. 202 Cool Springs Rd., Wrightsville. Information: Susqnha.org

Lancaster Craft Beerfest

August 23

100 Block North Queen Street

Organized by Joycat Events and presented by Decades and Rotary Club of Lancaster, the beerfest puts the spotlight on regional craft breweries that will be on hand to share their craft beer with fans. Event will feature dozens of brewers, a beer garden, food court and music stage. Tickets can be purchased for one of two sessions: 12-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. 21+ only. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Rotary Club of Lancaster. 100 block (Binn’s Park/Ewell Plaza) of N. Queen St. in Downtown Lancaster. Information: Lancastercraftbeerfest.com

Long’s Park Art Festival

August 29-31

Long’s Park

The first festival was held in 1976 in conjunction with the nation’s Bicentennial. Three years later, it gained an ally in the Long’s Park Amphitheater Association and moved to Labor Day weekend. The rest is history. Today, through a very competitive juried process, 200 exhibitors are chosen from among the thousands of applicants hoping to secure a space among the 25 categories. The show features such work as clothing, furniture, jewelry, accessories, décor, pottery, glass, functional art, paintings, photography and the list goes on. The show also features kid’s art activities and a food area. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster. Information: Longspark.org.

Bird-in-Hand Chicken BBQ

August 30

Hand-in-Hand Fire Co.

The fire company’s famous BBQ chicken has a taste all its own! Cooked slowly and deliciously seasoned, this chicken is moist and tender! This is a take-out only event. Menu includes half chicken, applesauce, chips, pickles, roll/butter, drink and homemade whoopie pie. (Many of the items are sourced from local businesses.) Take-out begins at 9:30 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m. (or until sellout). Pricing is $13 for the meal and $7 for chicken only. All proceeds benefit the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company, an all-volunteer fire company located in Bird-in-Hand and serving the East Lampeter Township community. 313 Enterprise Dr., Bird-in-Hand. Information: Bihf.com.

Wild Goose 5K Run/Walk

August 31

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

The PA Game Commission is sponsoring this 5th annual event that takes participants along a route that winds its way through Middle Creek. There’s a half-mile kid’s fun run, as well. 9 a.m. 100 Museum Rd., Stevens. Information: Pgc.pa.gov.

Sunflower Festival

August 30

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Enjoy a day of sunshine and floral fun at the Sunflower Festival, where the beauty of nature meets the excitement of adventure on the farm. Event will feature flower sales (sunflowers and zinnias), photo ops in the flower fields, craft vendors, a guest winery and brewery, live music and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 150 Cherry Hill Rd., Ronks. Information: Cherrycrestfarm.com

Heart of Lancaster Labor Day Arts and Craft Show

August 30-31

Root’s Country Market & Auction

Now in its 37th year, the show features over 100 juried artists and crafters from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The selection includes pottery, home décor, garden art, seasonal items, jewelry, artwork and the list goes on. There will also be a delicious variety of food, as well as live entertainment. The show has been recognized as one of Sunshine Artist’s “200 Best” art shows for 10 years in a row. Parking/admission are free. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (rain/shine). 705 Greystone Rd., Manheim. Information: Hlcshow.com.

Hospice Labor Day Auction

August 31 & September 1

Solanco Fairgrounds

Don’t miss Hospice & Community Care’s Labor Day Auction, where every bid supports a worthy cause: helping Hospice patients and their families cope with life-limiting illnesses or loss. The vast array of items that are available range from quilts and sports memorabilia to collectibles, tools, plants and so much more. The event also features specialty auctions and a raffle that will see a lucky ticket holder win a 2025 Chevy Trax. Another don’t miss is the Amish-made food such as breakfast logs, baked goods, chicken barbecue and milkshakes among many others. 7:30 a.m.-approx. 5 p.m. each day. 101 Park Avenue, Quarryville. Information: Labordayauction.org.